what was our vegas over/under this year? as has been stated, so much relies on the pitching, but i don't see why the offense can't continue to be legitimately good. like most i'm still skeptical on the pitching overall, maybe more the 'pen than the starters even, but i think around a .500 team should be the expectation right now.
Somehow this is becoming more likely
I still don't think this happens as I believe the young guys will hit a wall for at least a few weeks, but we're definitely heading toward 85 wins, which could be enough to snag a Wild Card spot.
Again, It's really hard to say this early on, but I am highly impressed and shocked by the team's success.
I do think that if we're in the hunt come deadline, AA will make moves to get better.
AerchAngel (05-02-2018)
And doable - but if we can avoid major losing streaks, 90 is NOT out of the question. It depends on the starting pitchers, Folty/Newc limit their walks and Gohar stamina is the key. I don't know what to post about Teheran/McCarthy/Dirty Sanchez and Soroka, three vets and a raw green awesome rookie in the mix and the results as well. But the first three I listed are the key.
we have some starting pitching depth, which tends to differentiate teams who finish strong from the ones who dont
"I am a victim, I will tell you. I am a victim."
"I am your retribution."
You accurately used to speak about how we did not have pitching depth 2 years ago despite the sizeable investment in pitching.
It is amazing how high the 'hit' rate has been with this organization. Far from over and guys need to prove it over a longer period of time but we really bucked the trendlines.
Natural Immunity Croc
Jaw (05-02-2018)
The hitting will cool off for sure, but the hitting was never going to be an issue anyways. Our pitching was always going to make or break this team. So far, I really like what we've seen from our rotation. Folty, has definitely taken a step forward so far. McCarthy was a steal and hopefully he's pitching for a new contract and can stay healthy. JT has been better than last year for sure. Newk looks like he can easily be a good 4th-5th starter at worst and has shown flashes of more. Soroka's start was very encouraging even though I expect him to be sent back down.
Our BP is a different story. We've actually been very lucky to have not blown more games than we have. And now we could possibly lose our best reliever for an extended period of time. We need to be on the lookout for relief help in a hurry.
Winkler has earned a high leverage role. Our best reliever imo.
"I am a victim, I will tell you. I am a victim."
"I am your retribution."
This is why I don't expect anyone from the rotation to be traded to make room for Soroka or Gohara. AA has to have a fear of losing Sanchez and McCarthy on back to back to starts following a Teheran trade.
It's also the reason I would have preferred seeing more Wisler last night than Soroka. Soroka has just been so good that I think Wisler is still the greater unknown. He may be a viable rotation option now, and I think that a little more confidence in him could open up more possibilities to make changes to the rotation.
Go get him!
Founding member of the Whiny Little Bitches and Pricks Club